The Menopause Years - my top 5 helpful products of 2024
Let’s face it—menopause is a trip, and not always a good one. Yes, it’s the gateway to a period free life but bloody hell (literally), and why does it take so long?!
One moment you’re burning with a fire within that could heat your street, the next you’re googling “why are my ears so itchy.” It’s wild right, I’m five years in, I know, it goes on for ages, but the good news is that I have uncovered some things to help us through (and no they are not affiliate links).
I’ve rounded up my top five products of 2024 (and one that’s not for sale but absolutely essential otherwise we are doomed).
1. The Oodie Cooling Blanket: Like Actual Magic
When I got my first hot flush one night at 2 a.m, I honestly thought I was going to be one of those weird spontaneous human combustion tales. I was shook, the heat was next level. Now don’t get me wrong, HRT is the thing that has really kept these visits from satan under control. But, if you need something a bit more immediate I would try the Oodie Cooling Blanket. This piece of magic is designed to regulate body temperature and feels like lying on a cloud of icy calm, for real. It’s very rare I can say a product really does what it says on the tin, but this is one of those times. I got one for my little one who is warm blooded and I can often find them wrapped up in cool solitude! Menopausal hot flushes or just for a bit of calm it’s worth the investment.
2. Hairburst Shampoo and Conditioner for Thinning Hair
I already had fairly limp straight hair before the big M but it got much worse when the my oestrogen and progesterone started to leave the building. Being very grey at the same time means I’m rocking the banshee vibe on the regular. But, the products that helped most with this - alongside biotin and collagen supplements is the Hairburst duo. It strengthens, nourishes, and helps encourage healthier hair growth, and after two weeks I noticed a massive difference.
The thing is though we have to keep up with it as it’s a long haul commitment. Apparently, the supplements can’t do the heavy lifting alone.
3. Vegetable Glycerin for Skin Hydration
Menopause basically drains you of all moisture, leaving you an itchy shell of a human, sounds dramatic, well, it is! I discovered menopause Tik Tok and alongside loads of shared wisdom and hilarious women I found out about the hydration benefits of vegetable glycerin.
It’s made from plant oils and is a powerful ingredient for keeping skin hydrated. It works by pulling moisture from the air into the skin, helping it stay soft and smooth. Research shows that products with glycerin can noticeably boost skin hydration in just 10 days. It also helps protect the skin’s natural barrier, shielding it from irritants and keeping it healthy.
Plus, since glycerin doesn’t clog pores, it’s a great choice for all skin types—even for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. I apply it to wet skin and it has pretty much eradicated the constant itch fidget. I have also saved money on expensive body creams, although savings is probably the wrong word, I have just diverted said funds for other ridiculous anti aging products 🙄.
4. ChatGPT: Your Life Assistant
I am a recent Chat GPT obsessive. I have only touched the surface of the capability but I can already see the benefits for me. I’m not equipped to discuss the ethical and frankly dystopian reality that AI presents and other platforms are available. I’m still learning and researching. Ideally I want to do a proper course to get a handle on it. Right now I’m choosing to lean into it and contribute to socially responsible technology as it evolves. This article I found in Forbes outlines why women taking forward steps is so important, we can’t leave it to the patriarchy frankly.
What I would say especially for women, staying safe online is paramount, I always recommend Glitch Charity for the tools you need.
You also need some basic AI knowledge so you are not in breach of data rules and other ethical considerations, I’m certainly not suggesting you go in all willy nilly, further reading here from The Alan Turing Institute .
But, why am I saying it can help menopausal women, well, brain fog is real. There are moments when my fog brings huge hilarity, like when I can’t remember the word for something and just make one up instead, it’s become my thing. On a deeper level though, the fog brings frustration and anxiety. I have a big job, I have to know and remember things. I have help of course but sometimes I need something more specific. Enter ChatGPT, a virtual assistant to help organise your thoughts, brainstorm ideas, write emails, or even just be your sounding board when the brain fog rolls in like a horror movie.
Honestly, it’s like having an extra brain on hand, it’s allowed me to be more productive and turn ideas into things. This substack is only possible because Chat GPT is helping me order my ideas and cut out the hours of research that would end up paralysing me before. It’s not the answer to everything but it’s helping me.
5. Collagen: Keeping it All Together
Menopause can feel like your body is quite literally falling apart, but collagen can help keep it together. Whether it’s for skin elasticity, joint health, or hair strength, collagen is a non-negotiable. I have tried dozens of different types in powder, gummies, and liquid form, all price points and honestly, you have to find one that suits you, the most expensive not necessarily the best. There are marine and bovine options, vegan and everything in between, it’s quite a lot to work out. I just used online recommendations to see which worked for me.
6. A Sense of Humour: The Essential Bonus
The menopause is whacked (I don’t actually ever use this word but including it to see if my kids read to the bottom of my stuff - they will be livid 😂).
I use humour in every part of my life. I get on most with people who can laugh at stuff, not in a mean way, I don’t do mean humour, it’s not my style.
Being able to laugh at tough things is a gift from my lovely Mum, she has bestowed on us an ability to laugh at the most mundane things, the sort of humour you’d have to be there for. Thankfully my epic kids have also inherited this laughter gene and I’m glad. Laughter is a tonic for stress and tension, it’s not a fixer obviously, it just helps.
I’m nearly 50 and I’ve been through a load of stuff so I also now possess the ‘’you’ve got to do better than that to take me down’’ attitude. I’m too busy sweating the big stuff thanks! My best friends* of 40+ years are obviously at the same place and the real talk between us is hilarious even if I do say so, we are actually comedy geniuses!
Menopause is challenging, but it doesn’t have to be unbearable. If you are over 45, don’t dismiss it out of hand or just put up with disruptive changes, check in with yourself and if these symptoms make sense, talk to your GP. With the right tools whether that’s HRT, acupuncture a magic blanket, you can get through this phase. Somedays I even feel alright.
What things help you?
Here’s to more than surviving through the menopause chapters 🙏🏼
Dr. Sarah Hughes
*Love you Nicola and Colleen ❤️ (let’s see if these two read to the bottom as well hey)!